Clued-in sun-seekers are ditching the buzzing streets and shores of Noosa for a breathtaking haven just 50 minutes south – and it’s not hard to see why.
Bokarina, a coastal suburb on the Sunshine Coast, has undergone a glow-up with a first-class dining scene, luxury accommodation, and endless walks and water sports on offer.
With just over 2,000 people compared to Noosa’s 58,000, Bokarina is a quieter, easy going option for families, couples and solo travellers looking for a low key beach getaway.
Boasting a nine kilometre stretch of white sand, a friendly community and foodie hot spots, there’s a lot to attract new residents and holiday-maker to the little-known town.
But it wasn’t always a ‘go-to’ for your typical Aussie.
‘When the Sunshine Coast opened up, the beach areas from Noosa to Caloundra were eagerly sought by families to settle and by interstaters and internationals looking for a sea-change,’ Visit Sunshine Coast’s Head of Industry and Trade Development, Andrew Fairbairn, told FEMAIL.
‘Most of the coastal areas were settled quickly, but one area of beach frontage remained fenced off: Bokarina.’
The area was used for artillery practice back in the 1940s, and because of its privacy, it became a popular nudist haven in the 70s and early 80s.
Bokarina, a coastal suburb on the Sunshine Coast, has undergone a glow-up with a first class dining scene, luxury accommodation and endless walks and water sports on offer
With just over 2,000 people, compared to Noosa’s 58,000, Bokarina is a quieter, easy going option for families, couples and solo travellers looking for a low key beach getaway
It was nicknamed ‘Shangri-La’ after the book Lost Horizon by James Hilton which told a story about a mystical, harmonious valley where everyone took their clothes off.
A decade ago, change started to flow through the area.
‘There was an ambitious plan to create a new village in the area that combined a coastal soul with an urban heart,’ Mr Fairbairn said.
‘Bokarina Beach was developed to highlight the area’s natural assets, so there are playgrounds and extensive parklands with large shady trees, making it ideal for families.
‘What has really made Bokarina Beach such an exciting new tourist destination is the range of accommodation available.’
Bokarina Accommodation offers over 50 high-quality units for short-term stays ranging from penthouses to two-bedroom apartments, with outstanding leisure facilities making it perfect for couples, families and special occasion groups.
Zinc Bokarina is nestled along the shores of Bokarina Beach on Bokarina Boulevard and provides a host of modern apartments, each with luxury fittings.
Just around the corner sits Oceanus which is a seven-minute walk from the beach with similarly luxe apartments and a three-bedroom penthouse that offers uninterrupted views over a strip of ancient forest and breaking white-water surf.
The area was used for artillery practice back in the 1940s, and because of its privacy, it became a popular nudist haven in the 70s and early 80s
Zinc Bokarina (pictured) is nestled along the shores of Bokarina Beach on Bokarina Boulevard and provides a host of modern apartments, each with luxury fittings
Wallace & Wood Artisan Ice Cream (pictured) gives Noosa’s Massimo’s a run for its money
Meanwhile, the Seanna Residences sit on two hectares of beachfront parkland and boast a landscaped pool podium and a mix of apartments with wide frontages and breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean.
The accommodation is complemented by a rapidly expanding restaurant, entertainment and shopping precinct while dining options include the award-winning Bocca Italian and Stoa and a range of cafes and specialist grocers.
Nearby there’s the famous Your Mates craft brewer and Paradise Rum distillery while Wallace & Wood Artisan Ice Cream gives Noosa’s Massimo’s a run for its money.
‘Bokarina is perfect for those who love an outdoor lifestyle. The patrolled beach is great for surfers, water sports and families,’ Mr Fairbairn said.
Nearby there’s the famous Your Mates craft brewer and Paradise Rum distillery
Dining options include the award-winning Bocca Italian
The Seanna Residences (pictured) sit on two hectares of beachfront parkland and boast a landscaped pool podium and a mix of apartments with wide frontages
‘You can walk or cycle south to Caloundra and north to Mooloolaba along a purpose-designed coastal path, and nearby Currumundi Lake is perfect for kayaking and stand up paddle board.’
For nature fans, the Sunshine Coast Council environmental staff have also been able to work with the developers, Stockland, and representatives from SEA LIFE Underwater World to form a turtle focus group to nurture the beach as an active turtle nesting and hatching site.
The development also ensured the beach area continued as an important habitat for a number of invertebrates, frogs and aquatic birds.
‘Bokarina was considered a Shangri-La for different reasons forty years ago, but today it is a Shangri-la for anyone who loves the best in coastal getaways,’ Mr Fairbairn said.
